Homalomena, Silver Shield

Homalomena species and cultivars (some listed below)

home-al-oh-MEAN-ah

Araceae

Explanation of name: From the Greek homalos (flat) and mene (moon), an erroneous translation of the Malayan vernacular name (DAV).

Natural range (of the genus): Tropical Asia, Tropical America

Recognition: Homalomena is a highly variable genus which differs from Philodendron by being consistently terrestrial and by having often spiny petioles, sap with the fragrance of anise, and staminodia (sterile vestiges of stamens) among the pistillate flowers.

            Species and cultivars of Homalomena could be confused with Dieffenbachia but have thicker, firmer leaves, and lack the bamboo-like stems formed on Dieffenbachia. (And see the distinctive features noted above.)

            Homalomena walisii Regel stands about 2’ tall and has leaves reminiscent of Dieffenbachia in size, shape, and variegation. The spathes are the color of steak. The smaller (<1’) H. sulcata has cordate leaves with a light-colored line following the margin. Homalomena speariae Bogner & Mofler has white blotches on dark green leaves. Homalomena rubescens Kunth has arrow-head shaped leaves with wrinkled, impressed veins and with maroon petioles, and maroon spathes.

            ‘Emerald Gem’ is a Homalomena cultivar marketed in South Florida; it has attractive heart-shaped leaves about 4” across with a slightly wrinkled surface, and a petiole about as long as the blade (http://www.oglesbytc.com/culture-homolamena.html,  http://www.horticulturist.com/mastermag/homal.htm). This was a Florida Nursery,  Growers & Landscape Association 2001 Plant of the Year. A variety of cultivars are depicted at the AgriStarts (Apopka, FL) website: http://www.agristarts4.com/homalomenas.htm.

Landscape uses: Homalomenas serve much like Dieffenbachias, Philodendrons, and Aglaonemas. With variations among species, they prefer shaded, evenly moist conditions. Homalomenas are perhaps best as container plants. All aroids contain toxic raphide (needle) crystals.The data on this page come largely from a variety of nursery publications, some of which are cited above.